Converged Networking with FCoE in an ESX Environment
Server virtualization is one of the key drivers of FCoE deployment. FCoE enabled network convergence significantly reduces the number of cables, switch ports and adapters as show in Figure 6.
Virtual Network 1
Virtual Network 2
Virtual Network 2Virtual Network 3
Virtual Network 3
VMotion
Fibre Channel SAN A
Fibre Channel SAN B
Administration/VMRC | Administration/VMRC |
Server NIC | Server NIC |
Virtual Network 1 | Virt Net 1 Backup |
VMotion | Virt Net 2 Backup |
| |
| Virt Net 3 Backup |
| VMotion Backup |
Separate LAN and SAN | Converged Networking with |
connectivity with NICs and HBAs | CNA |
Figure 6: Effects of Convergence using a CNA in a Rack-mount Server running ESX
The following sections provide a detailed description of how to deploy and configure an Emulex LP21000 in a VMware ESX Server environment.
CNA Instantiation Model in ESX
Although the CNA is a single physical entity, to an operating system the adapter is represented as an HBA and a NIC (Network Interface Card).This level of transparency to the operating system ensures that the CNA configuration and management practices are performed in the same manner as current standalone NIC and HBA devices.
Extending this concept to VMware ESX, the Emulex LP21000 CNA is recognized by ESX as both an HBA and a NIC. The ESX server in turn provides the networking and storage networking access for the virtual
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